Collapsible Infant Support

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed toward an infant support including a frame and an infant seat. The frame includes a first frame member pivotally coupled to a second frame member. The footers of the frame member are curved to permit the rocking of the frame on its support surface. The seat includes angled wall portions that define an offset lowest point. With this configuration, a child placed within the seat is safely positioned within the seat such that the child experiences a front-to-back rocking motion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an infant support and, in particular,to a rocking infant support that folds from a deployed configuration toa collapsed configuration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Parents have available to them a myriad of infant support devices. Forexample, infant mats or gyms are easily portable, and provide an infantwith a comfortable, sanitary place to rest. While infant mats can beeasily packed away into a car or a diaper bag, such supports cannot berocked or otherwise manipulated to soothe and pacify the infant.Bassinets and cradles, furthermore, are typically not easy to collapsefor storage or transport. Conventional bassinets are not capable ofbeing rocked and, while sturdy, are often expensive, especially whenconsidering that they are generally only used during the infant's firstmonths. As a result, strollers are often used as makeshift cribs whentraveling. While many strollers can be quickly collapsed and stored intoa trunk or back seat, they are generally not recommended for use withvery small infants as a portable crib or cradle because the seat portiondoes not offer adequate support for the infant's back and neck.

Thus, it would be desirable to provide an infant support that is easilyportable, securely supports and infant, and takes advantage of therelaxing and sleep inducing effects produced by gentle rocking motion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward an infant support deviceincluding a frame and an infant seat. The frame includes a first framemember pivotally coupled to a second frame member via a hub assembly. Inone embodiment, the frame includes two hub assemblies. The footers ofthe frame members are curved to permit the rocking of the frame along asupporting surface. The seat includes angled wall portions that form anoffset support. With this configuration, a child placed within the seatis safely supported on the seat and is oriented at a predeterminedsupport angle. The infant support device may be selectively reconfiguredfrom a deployed configuration to a folded/stowed configuration, and viceversa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a rockable infant supportin accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the infant support shownin FIG. 1, with the seat removed for clarity.

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of stop members in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate views of a hub in accordance with andembodiment of the invention. Specifically, FIG. 4A illustrates aclose-up perspective view of the forward hub, and FIG. 4B illustrates anexploded view of the forward hub.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view in plan of the frame shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the infant support oriented in its stowedconfiguration. Specifically, FIG. 6A illustrates the frame of FIG. 5oriented in its stowed configuration, and FIG. 6B illustrates a sideview in plan of the frame shown in FIG. 6A.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the seat in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention. Specifically, FIG. 7A illustrates a top view in plan, andFIG. 7B illustrates a side view in plan.

FIG. 8A illustrates a top view of a seat brace in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8B illustrates a top view of a seat brace in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8C illustrates the seat brace of FIG. 8B secured within the seat ofFIG. 7A.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of the device shown in FIG.1 oriented in its stowed configuration.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side perspective view of the infant support shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a mounting componentof the infant support shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates another close-up perspective view of the mountingcomponent shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 illustrates an end view of the mounting component shown in FIG.11.

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the mounting component shown in FIG.11 and a portion of the seat of the infant support.

FIG. 15 illustrates a close-up view of the mounting component and seatportion shown in FIG. 14 assembled.

FIG. 16 illustrates a front perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of a rockable infant support.

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of the infant support shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 illustrates a bottom perspective view of components of theinfant support shown in FIG. 16 and viewed from one side.

FIG. 19 illustrates another bottom perspective view of the components ofthe infant support shown in FIG. 18 and viewed from another side.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elementsthroughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terms “support,” “support device,” and “support structure” are usedto refer to any frame or support that is configured to provide supportfor an object. The terms “infant support,” “infant support device,” and“infant support structure” are used to refer to any frame or supportthat can be used to support an infant in a stationary manner or in amoving manner. Some exemplary infant support structures are swings,bassinets, playards, cribs, jumping devices, bouncers, high chairs,rockers, hammocks, etc. The terms “child” and “infant” may be usedinterchangeably herein. The terms “trunk” and “torso” may be usedinterchangeably herein.

Referring to FIG. 1, the infant support 100 according to the presentinvention includes a frame assembly 110 that supports an infant seatassembly or receptacle 120 (also called an infant support portion) abovea supporting surface. The frame assembly 110 includes mountingcomponents to couple softgoods to the frame assembly 110, as describedin greater detail below. In FIG. 1, only mounting components 1010 and1020 are shown.

As shown in FIG. 2, the frame assembly 110 includes a first frame member210 and a second frame member 215. The first frame member 210 defines agenerally rectangular structure including a rear lateral bar 220Aoriented in spaced, generally parallel relation from a forward lateralbar 225A. Similarly, an upper crossbar or header 230A is oriented inspaced, generally parallel relation from a lower crossbar or footer235A. Specifically, the header 230A extends between the lateral bars220A, 225A proximate their upper terminal ends, while the footer 235Aextends between the lateral bars 220A, 225A proximate their lowerterminal ends. In this embodiment, the header 230A has opposite ends orend portions 230C and 230D that have the same length and extend the samedistance from the main portion of the header 230A.

The second frame member 215 possesses a similar structure, having a rearlateral bar 220B oriented in spaced, generally parallel relation from aforward lateral bar 225B, as well as an upper crossbar or header 230B,is oriented in spaced, generally parallel relation from a lower crossbaror footer 235B. Specifically, the header 230B extends between thelateral bars 220B, 225B proximate their upper terminal ends, while thefooter 235B extends between the lateral bars proximate their lowerterminal ends. In this embodiment, the header 230B has opposite ends orend portions 230E and 230F that have the same length and extend the samedistance from the main portion of the header 230B. As described below,in different embodiments, the lengths of the end portions of the headerscan vary.

The headers 230A, 230B support the infant seat 120 (discussed in greaterdetail below). The footers 235A, 235B contact a supporting surface, suchas the floor. In this embodiment, the headers 230A, 230B and/or thefooters 235A, 235B may possess a generally arcuate shape having apredetermined radius of curvature. Preferably, the footers 235A, 235Bpossess an arcuate shape that defines a curved surface along which theframe assembly 110 may be rocked. With this configuration, the frameassembly 110 rocks longitudinally (front to back along an axis definedby the hubs, also discussed in greater detail below), providing asoothing effect to an infant supported by the seat.

The shape and dimensions of the frame members 210, 215 of the frameassembly 110 may be any suitable for their described purpose. In theembodiment of FIG. 2, the first frame member 210 possesses a height(measured between the header and footer) and width (measured betweenlateral bars) substantially equal to that of the second frame member215.

Referring to FIG. 2, the components of frame member 210 are coupledtogether using swaged or tapered ends and spring-loaded buttons, such asvalco buttons. In particular, the ends or end portions 230C and 230D ofheader 230A are swaged so that they are insertable into the upper endsof lateral bars 220A and 225A. Similarly, the ends of footer 235A areswaged so that they are insertable into the lower ends of lateral bars220A and 225A. Valco buttons or tabs are inserted into the ends of thelateral bars 220A and 225A and include projections (such as projections231 and 233 in FIG. 2) that extend through openings in the lateral bars220A and 225A and the corresponding header 230A or footer 235A to couplethe particular components together. Similarly, the components of framemember 215 are configured and assembled in the same manner.

The frame assembly 110 may further include one or more stop members 240placed at predetermined locations along the frame members 210, 215. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the first frame member 210 includes two stopmembers 240, each being positioned proximate the longitudinal ends ofits associated footer 235A and generally aligned with a correspondinglateral bar 220A or 225A. Similarly, the second frame member 215includes two stop members 240, each being positioned proximate thelongitudinal ends of its footer 235B and generally aligned with acorresponding lateral bar 220B or 225B.

The stop members 240 are configured to selectively engage the supportingsurface to prevent over rotation of the infant support 100 while rockinglongitudinally along the supporting surface. FIG. 3 is close-up view ofa stop member 240 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Asillustrated, the stop member 240 includes a top surface 310 and a bottomsurface 320. The top surface 310 is generally contoured to the cornercurvature of its associated frame member 210, 215. The bottom surface320, in contrast, may be generally planar; consequently, the stop member240 possesses a generally inclined structure having an interior end 330with a height that is less than the height of an exterior end 340. Inoperation, the bottom surface 320 contacts the supporting surface as theinfant support 100 is rocked/rotated thereon, preventing over rotationof the frame assembly 110 in the forward or rearward direction.

The frame members 210, 215 are coupled to each other via a hub assembly.Referring back to FIG. 2, the infant support device 100 includes a firstor forward hub assembly 250 and a second or rearward hub assembly 255.In one embodiment, the forward hub 250 may be generally coaxial with therearward hub 255 along a substantially horizontal axis. In analternative embodiment, the forward hub 250 may be vertically offsetfrom the rearward hub 255. The hub assemblies 250, 255 secure the framemembers 210, 215 such that the frame members intersect. Referring toFIG. 2, the hub assemblies 250, 255 are coupled to the frame members210, 215 in such a way that the substantially similarly configured framemembers 210, 215 can collapse proximate to each other. As shown, hubassembly 250 retains lateral bar 225A outside of lateral bar 225B andhub assembly 255 retains lateral bar 220A outside of lateral bar 220B.This offset configuration allows the frame members 210, 215 to becollapsed in a reduced profile and provides overlapping frame portionsfor the support structure for the device 100.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the structure of the forward hub 250 in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. The forward hub 250 includes afirst or exterior subassembly 405 and a second or interior subassembly410. The exterior subassembly 405 includes an exterior or annular cap415 that cooperates with a first or outer housing 420 to capture theforward lateral bar 225A of the first frame member 210. The secondsubassembly 410 further includes a second or inner housing 425 thatcooperates with an interior or closed cap 430 to capture the forwardlateral bar 225B of the second frame member 215. Thus, the forwardlateral bars 225A, 225B are disposed in spaced relation alongsubstantially parallel planes. These substantially parallel planes arevertically oriented. The rearward hub 255 includes a structure similarto that of the forward hub 250, orienting the rearward lateral bars220A, 220B in parallel, spaced relation.

As mentioned above, the hubs 250, 255 may position the frame members210, 215 such that the frame members are longitudinally offset (seen inFIG. 6B) with respect to each other. That is, the rearward lateral bar220A of the first frame member 210 is captured within the interiorsubassembly 410 of the rearward hub 255, while the forward lateral bar225A of the first frame member 210 is captured within the exteriorsubassembly 405 of the forward hub 250. Conversely, the rearward lateralbar 220B of the second frame member 215 is captured within the exteriorsubassembly 405 of the rearward hub 255, while the forward lateral bar225B of the second frame member 215 is captured within the interiorsubassembly 410 of the forward hub 250.

The first subassembly 405 may be rotatably coupled to the secondsubassembly 410 (or vice versa) to permit the rotation of each framemember 210, 215 with respect to each other. Specifically, the firstsubassembly 405 rotates about the hub axis such that it can berotationally displaced with respect to the second subassembly 410 (orvice versa). As a result, the frame members 210, 215 may be pivoted toreorient the infant support 100 from a deployed or expandedconfiguration to a collapsed or stowed configuration.

In addition, one or both of the hubs 250, 255 may further include a lockmechanism that selectively secures the subassemblies 405, 410 withrespect to each other, preventing their rotation and securing the framemembers 210, 215 in a predetermined orientation. Referring to FIG. 4B,the components of an embodiment of the hub assembly 250 is illustrated.Hub assembly 255 has similar components to hub assembly 250.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the hub assembly 250 includes an axiallydisplaceable gear 440 and a biasing member 445 (e.g., a spring) capturedbetween the exterior housing 420 and the interior housing 425. Theexterior housing 420 is internally keyed such that it accepts the gearin predetermined rotational positions. By way of specific example, thegear 440 (which is generally coaxial with the hub 250) may include aplurality of slots angularly spaced along the gear. The exterior housing420, moreover, may include a plurality of angularly spaced teeth or ribsextending from the interior surface of the housing. The slots of thegear 440 are configured to receive the ribs of the exterior housing 420when aligned therewith. With this configuration, when the gear 440 isoriented in a predetermined rotational position, the slots and ribsalign, resulting in the meshed engagement of the gear 440 and theexterior housing 420.

The interior space of the interior housing 425, in contrast, permits therotation of the gear 440 when the gear 440 is positioned therein. Thus,when the gear 440 is oriented within the interior housing 425, rotationbetween the subassemblies 405, 410 is permitted.

The biasing member 445 biases the gear 440 into engagement with theexterior housing 420. The annular cap 415 includes a depressibleactuator 435 operable to axially displace the gear from its normal,engaged position (meshed with exterior housing 420), to its disengagedposition (i.e., positioned within interior housing 425). In operation,engaging the actuator 435 displaces the gear 440 from the exteriorhousing 420 and into the interior housing 425. This, in turn, releasesthe first subassembly 405, permitting its rotation about the hub axiswith respect to the second subassembly 410. Once the ribs and slotsalign, the biasing member 445 drives the gear back into engagement withthe exterior housing, rotationally locking the subassemblies 405, 410.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the interior cap 430 includes an edge 431 thatdefines a notch 433 that receives forward lateral bar 225B. The interiorhousing 425 includes an edge 427 that defines a notch 429 that receivesforward lateral bar 225B. Thus, the forward lateral bar 225B is capturedbetween the interior cap 430 and the interior housing 425. Similarly,the annular cap 415 has an edge 417 that defines a notch 419 thatreceives forward lateral bar 225A and the exterior housing 420 has anedge 421 that defines a notch 423 that receives forward lateral bar225A. Thus, the forward lateral bar 225A is captured between the annularcap 415 and the exterior housing 420.

With the above-described configuration, the frame assembly 110 may beselectively rotated between a deployed configuration to a stowedconfiguration. As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the deployed configuration,the subassemblies 405, 410 position the upper portions of the framemembers 210, 215 (i.e., the portions above the hub assemblies 250 and255) at a predetermined deployment angle A with respect to each other(e.g., 45°). Engaging or depressing the actuator 435 disengages the lockto release the subassemblies 405, 410 of the hubs assemblies 250, 255,permitting the rotation of the first frame member 210 and/or the secondframe member 215.

Specifically, applying a force to the headers 230A, 230B (along thedirections of arrows R) rotates the first frame member 210 toward thesecond frame member 215. The frame members 210, 215 are rotated untilthe stowed configuration is achieved, such as the configurationillustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, which areend and side views, the frame members 210, 215 are placed proximate toeach other in this collapsed or stowed configuration.

The seat or seat assembly 120 receives and supports an infant therein.The seat 120 may possess a generally elongated shape formed to hold aninfant when the infant support 100 is in its deployed configuration. Theseat 120 is suspended from the frame assembly 110. Specifically, theseat 120 is supported by the headers 230A, 230B of the frame members 210and 215, respectively, such that the longitudinal axis of the seat 120is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frameassembly 110. That is, the longitudinal axis of seat 120 is orientedgenerally parallel to the rocking axis so that a child positioned in thereceptacle and facing forward will rock from front-to-back in the mannerof a rocking chair.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the seat 120 includes a first longitudinal or sidewall 710 and a second longitudinal or side wall 715 opposite to thefirst side wall 710. As illustrated, the first side wall 710 is coupledto the header 230A of first frame member 210 and the second side wall715 is coupled to the header 230B of the second frame member 215. Theside walls 710, 715 are coupled to a bottom wall or body 720.Specifically, the first side wall 710 extends distally (downward) fromthe header 230A of the first frame member 210 and connects to the firstlongitudinal edge 725 of the bottom wall 720 (e.g., via stitching).Similarly the second side wall 715 extends distally from the header 230Bof the second frame member 215 and connects to second longitudinal edge730 of the bottom wall 720. Each of the side walls 710 and 715 mayinclude some mesh material.

The bottom wall 720 is defined by a first or forward transverse end 735and an opposed second or rearward transverse end 740, each extendingbetween longitudinal edges 725, 730. The bottom wall 720 is formed by afirst or trunk portion or torso portion 745 operable to support thetrunk or torso of an infant and a second or foot portion 750 operable tosupport the legs and/or feet of the infant.

The seat 120 is contoured to suspend an infant in a predeterminedorientation. In one embodiment, the seat 120 possesses an L-shaped slingstructure (when viewed from the side), with the trunk or torso portion745 being oriented at an acute angle with respect to the foot portion750. In other embodiments, the angle between the trunk or torso portion745 and the foot portion 750 can vary.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the bottom wall 720 of the seat 120 slopes downward(away from the headers 230A, 230B) as it extends longitudinally alongthe frame assembly 110 (from back to front). Specifically, the trunkportion 745 of the bottom wall 720 slopes downward a predetermineddistance h1 to a lowermost point 755. By way of example, the trunkportion 745 may possess an incline of approximately 25°-35° (e.g., about30°). The foot portion 750 of the bottom wall 720 slopes upward (towardthe headers 230A, 230B) a predetermined distance h2 from point 755 suchthat the first/forward transverse end 735 of the bottom wall 720 islocated at approximately the same height as the second/rearwardtransverse end 740 of the bottom wall.

This trunk portion 745 possesses a length (longitudinal dimension) thatis greater than the length (longitudinal dimension) of the foot portion750. With this described configuration, the bottom wall 720 possesses alowermost point 755 that is longitudinally offset along the seat. Thatis, the lowermost point 755 is located closer to the first/forwardtransverse end 735 (and, as such, the forward hub 250) than to thesecond/rearward transverse end 740. This difference in length providesgreater support area for the trunk or torso of an infant and less forthe legs of the infant, which often may be folded while resting orsleeping.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the device 100 includes fabric portions 960 and970 that are coupled to the frame members 210 and 215. Fabric portion960 has two sleeve portions that are configured to receive lateral bars225A and 225B. The fabric portion 960 covers the area between lateralbars 225A and 225B when the frame assembly 110 is in its deployedconfiguration, thereby preventing the insertion of any object or bodypart in the area and reducing the likelihood of an pinching or capturingof such an object or body part. Similarly, fabric portion 970 has twosleeve portions that are configured to receive lateral bars 220A and220B. The fabric portion 970 covers the area between lateral bars 220Aand 220B when the frame assembly 110 is in its deployed configuration.

The seat 120 may be configured to collapse or fold when the frameassembly is reconfigured from its deployed/open configuration (FIG. 1)to its collapsed/stowed configuration. In a preferred embodiment, thisis accomplished by forming the walls 710, 715, 720 of the seat 120individually or collectively out of flexible/pliable softgoods material(e.g., natural or synthetic fabrics). By way of specific example, theseat 120 may be formed of fabric and/or mesh sheets, with the side walls710, 715 folded around the headers 230A, 230B and secured releasablythereto by releasable fasteners (e.g., snap fasteners) or securedpermanently thereto (e.g., via sewing). With this configuration, theseat 120 is suspended from the headers 230A, 230B, providing a hammockor sling effect.

The seat 120 may further include a substantially rigid or resilientsupport brace or insert member configured to provide support for aninfant and/or to maintain the side walls 710, 715 in spaced relationwhen an infant is positioned on the seat 120. The support brace 800 maypossess any shape and dimensions suitable for its described purpose(e.g., to maintain the orientation and position of an infant placed inthe seat 120). By way of example, the support brace 800 may possess agenerally oval or elliptical shape, and may be generally contoured tothe slope of the back wall portion 745 of the bottom wall 720. The brace800 may possess a width substantially equal to that of the back wallportion 745. Stated another way, the transverse dimension of the supportbrace may be substantially equal to the transverse dimension of thetrunk portion 745 of the bottom wall 720 (measured between longitudinaledges 725, 730). Similarly, the longitudinal dimension of the brace 800may be substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension of the backwall 745, extending from second/rearward transverse edge 740 to thelowermost point 755.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the brace 800 may be in the form of a band havingan exterior edge 810 and an interior edge 820 that defines a centralopening 830. The band functions as a frame for the trunk portion 745 ofthe bottom wall 720, with the infant being positioned within the opening830. In one embodiment, the brace 800 may have a curved configurationwhen viewed from the side. In another embodiment, the brace 800 may besubstantially planar.

Referring to FIG. 8B, the brace 800 may be in the form of a generallycontinuous, contoured planar member including a central panel 850 incommunication with upward-sloping (curved) side walls 860A, 860B runninglongitudinally along the panel, and an upward-sloping transverse bottomwall 870 running along the forward transverse end of the panel. Thecentral panel 850 may include one or more apertures 880 configured toprovide airflow with the apertures 880 being located beneath the trunkor torso of the infant. With this configuration, the brace 800 providesa contoured, rigid support for an infant placed within the seat 120.

The support brace 800 may be affixed to the seat 120 via an internalreceptacle formed into the bottom wall 720 by multiple pieces of fabric.By way of example, the trunk portion 745 of the bottom wall 720 maydefine a pocket or sleeve that receives the support brace 800. That is,the trunk portion 745 may include a first fabric member and a secondfabric member connected to the first fabric member so as to define acavity therebetween. The cavity possesses dimensions sufficient toreceive the support brace 800 (e.g., the cavity may possess dimensionsslightly larger than the dimensions of the support brace). Referring toFIG. 8C, the support brace 800 is illustrated in position within theseat 120.

The support brace 800 may be permanently secured within the receptacle.In one embodiment, the receptacle may be sewn closed to retain thesupport brace 800 therein. In another embodiment, the support brace 800may be coupled directly to the fabric by stitching or some othermechanism or technique. Alternatively, the support brace 800 mayreleasably secured within the receptacle to permit its selectiveinsertion into and removal from the seat 120. For example, the trunkportion 745 of the bottom wall 720 may include an opening selectivelysecured by snaps, buttons, and/or a zipper.

The foot portion 750 of the bottom wall 720 preferably does not includea support brace 800. It should be understood, however, that the footportion 750 may be provided with a brace having a structure similar tothe support brace described above.

In operation, an infant is placed within the seat such that the back ofthe infant rests against (is supported by) the trunk portion 745 of thebottom wall 720 and the feet are oriented within foot portion 750 of thebottom wall. In this orientation, the infant is in a seated, butreclined position, facing the forward hub 250. Placing the infant facedown, or placing the trunk of the infant within the foot portion of thebottom wall is not preferred, since injury to the infant may result.

The folding of the device is explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 9.Initially, the infant support 100 begins in its deployed configuration(FIG. 1). The actuator 435 of each hub assembly 250, 255 is engaged,releasing the subassemblies 405, 410 of the hub assemblies 250, 255 andpermitting relative rotation of the frame members 210, 215 as describedabove. The headers 230A, 230B are rotated inward until the frame members210, 215 are oriented in their stowed configuration (e.g., when theheaders 230A, 230B are oriented generally parallel to each other). Inthis position, the lock mechanism is engaged, securing the frame members210, 215 in their stowed position as described above.

The brace 800 may be formed from resilient or substantially rigidmaterials. By way of example, the brace may be formed from plastic. Thebrace 800, moreover, may possess a unitary (continuous/one-piece)structure or may be formed from multiple pieces connected together.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the seat 120 may include a strap assembly (asillustrated) and other restraint mechanisms to secure the infant withinthe seat. In this embodiment, the strap assembly 1100 may include strapportions 1110, 1112, 1114, and 1116 that are coupled together usingbuckles 1120 and 1122 and a main strap portion 1130 with a couplingportion 1132. The strap portions 1110, 1112, 1114, 1116 and 1130 may beinserted through openings in the softgoods or coupled to the uppersurface of the softgoods such as by sewing or stitching or othercoupling method or technique. In an alternative embodiment, only twostrap portions are used with the seat 120.

Referring to FIGS. 10-15, the mounting or coupling of a softgoodsportion to the frame assembly 110 of device 100 is illustrated. Thesoftgoods may be used to provide an additional layer of support for theinfant. Referring to FIG. 10, a softgoods or padded portion 900 isremovably coupled to the frame assembly 110. As a result, the softgoods900 can be easily removed from the frame assembly 110 and washed andcleaned. In this embodiment, the softgoods 900 has several couplingportions 910, 920, 930, and 940 that are located at spaced apartpositions around the softgoods 900. Each of the coupling portions 910,920, 930, and 940 is similarly configured and therefore the followingdescription relating to coupling portion 910 applies to the othercoupling portions 920, 930, and 940.

Coupling portion 910 includes an edge 912 formed in the body 902 of thesoftgoods 900. The edge 912 defines and opening 914 that extends throughthe body 902. A binding or layer of fabric 916 (see FIG. 15) is sewnaround the edge 912 to prevent the edge 912 from unraveling. Thesoftgoods 900 includes coupling portions 920, 930, and 940 that aresimilarly configured with openings 924, 934, and 944, respectively.

The frame assembly 110 includes a mounting assembly 1000 that includesseveral mounting components 1010, 1020, 1030, and 1040 (shown throughoutFIGS. 10-15). The mounting components 1010, 1020, 1030, and 1040 arelocated on the headers 230A, 230B in locations that correspond to thecoupling portions 910, 920, 930, and 940 of the softgoods 900. Inparticular, mounting components 1010, 1020, 1030, and 1040 are alignedwith coupling portions 910, 920, 930, and 940, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 11, a close-up view of mounting component 1010 andheader 230A is shown. The seat 120 includes a fabric portion 948 that iscoupled to the headers 230A, 230B. On both sides of the fabric portion948, there is a sleeve 950 that defines a channel 952 and is coupled tothe fabric portion 948 at end 954. The sleeve 950 is configured to beslid onto one of the headers 230A, 230B. The mounting component 1010 ispositioned proximate to the sleeve 950 and then coupled to the header230A using a connector. The other mounting components 1020, 1030, and1040 are similarly coupled to the corresponding headers 230A, 230B viaconnectors.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a perspective view and an end view ofmounting component 1010 are illustrated, respectively. In thisembodiment, mounting component 1010 is molded plastic and has a bodyportion 1050 with ends 1052 and 1054 and sides 1053 and 1055. The bodyportion 1050 has a curved configuration that matches the configurationof the portion of the frame to which the mounting portion 1010 iscoupled. Integrally formed with the body portion 1050 are projections1060 and 1062. The projections 1060 and 1062 have ends 1064 and 1066,respectively, and extend in opposite directions from each other. Inanother embodiment, the projections 1060 and 1062 can extend from thesides 1053 and 1055 of the body portion 1050 instead of the ends 1052and 1054.

The body portion 1050 includes a boss 1056 defining an opening 1058through which a connector 1059 (such as a screw) is inserted to couplethe mounting component 1050 to the frame assembly 110. The body portion1050 has an inner surface 1070 that defines a receptacle 1072 and isplaced in contact with the header 230A or fabric (such as sleeve 950)mounted on the header 230A. The body portion 1050 also has an outersurface 1074 that can be engaged by a portion of the softgoods 900.

Referring to FIG. 14, in this embodiment, the projections 1060 and 1062define areas or regions 1067 and 1068, respectively. To retain thesoftgoods 900 on the mounting component 1010, the length of the opening914 (distance “d2”) is less than the length of the mounting component1010 as measured from the ends 1064 and 1066 of the projections 1060 and1062 (distance “d1”). When the softgoods or fabric portion 900 is movedso that the coupling portion 910 is aligned with the mounting component1010, the opening 914 is manipulated so that the projections 1060 and1062 extend therethrough and the edge 912 is located beneath theprojections 1060 and 1062 and in areas 1067 and 1068. Referring to FIG.15, the projections 1082 and 1084 extending from a body portion 1080 ofmounting component 1020 extend over the binding 916, thereby couplingthe softgoods 900 to the mounting component 1020 and the frame assembly110.

The mounting assembly 1000 facilitates the coupling and decoupling ofthe softgoods 900 from the frame assembly 110. In various embodiments,the quantity of mounting components used with a particular frame canvary. For example, in one embodiment, only one mounting component may beincluded on each side of a frame. In another embodiment, the mountingcomponents may be spaced relatively equally about a substantiallycircular frame. In another embodiment, each mounting component mayinclude three or four projections extending from a body portion. Thus,the mounting assembly including mounting components can be used tocouple or mount a softgoods or fabric portion to a frame having anyshape or configuration and used for any type of infant supportstructure.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, an alternative embodiment of an infantsupport device or structure is illustrated. In this embodiment, thedevice or structure 1200 includes a frame assembly 1210 that includes aninfant seat assembly or receptacle 1220 with a head stop or paddedportion 1222 that can provide additional support and/or cushioning foran infant. In this embodiment, the frame assembly 1210 includes a firstframe member 1230 and a second frame member 1235. The frame members1230, 1235 are coupled together via hubs or hub assemblies 1260 and 1270which facilitate the movement or pivoting of the frame members 1230,1235 relative to each other, thereby allowing the frame assembly 1210 tobe deployed or collapsed. The frame members 1230, 1235 are substantiallysimilar to frame members 210, 215 described above with the exception ofthe upper crossbars or headers 1240 and 1250.

As discussed above, headers 230A and 230B of frame assembly 110 have endportions 230C, 230D and 230E, 230F, respectively, that have the samelength. The header 1240 has end portions 1242 and 1244 that havedifferent lengths. Similarly, header 1250 has end portions 1252 and 1254that have different lengths. Preferably, the lengths of end portions1242 and 1252 are the same or substantially the same and the lengths ofend portions 1244 and 1254 are the same or substantially the same. Thelonger end portions 1244 and 1254 result in the upper rear corners 1243and 1253 of the headers 1240 and 1250 being a greater distance from thehub assembly 1270 than the upper front corners 1241 and 1251 of theheaders 1240 and 1250 are spaced from the hub assembly 1260.

Referring to FIG. 17, the upper front corners 1241 and 1251 are spacedat a distance “d5” from hub assembly 1260 and upper rear corners 1243and 1253 are spaced at a distance “d6” from hub assembly 1270. Distance“d6” is greater than distance “d5” and the frame assembly 1210 has atapered or sloped configuration from the rear 1211 of the frame assembly1210 to the front 1213 of the frame assembly 1210. This slopedconfiguration results in the rear 1211 being higher than the front 1213relative to a support surface, and the seat portion 1220 having a higherupper end which provides additional support length for an infant andincreases the angle of inclination of the trunk or torso portion of theseat portion 1220 to position an infant in a more upright orientation.

The seat portion 1220 may be substantially similar to the infant seat120 as described above, and with the addition of the padded portion1222. Accordingly, receptacle 1220 is suspended from the headers 1240and 1250, providing a hammock or sling effect. The mounting or couplingof a softgoods portion to the frame assembly 1210 may be similar to thatdescribed above and shown in FIG. 15. The softgoods may be used toprovide an additional layer of support for the infant.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, a softgoods or padded portion 1900 isremovably coupled to the frame assembly 1210. As a result, the softgoods1900 can be easily removed from the frame assembly 1210 and washed andcleaned. The softgoods 1900 includes several coupling portions 1910,1920, 1930, and 1940 that are located at spaced apart positions aroundthe softgoods 1900. In one embodiment, the coupling portions 1920 and1930 may be substantially the same as coupling portions 920 and 930, andthe coupling portions 1910 and 1940 may be configured as another type offastener member. For example, coupling portions 1910 and 1940 may beconfigured as side release buckle components, cam or spring buckles,snaps, hook and loop fastener material, or some other fasteningmechanism.

The frame assembly 1210 includes a mounting assembly that includesmounting components located on headers 1240 and 1250 in locations thatcorrespond to the coupling portions 1920 and 1930. For example, headers1240 and 1250 may include mounting components 1280, 1285, respectively,as shown in FIGS. 16, 18 and 19. Each of mounting components 1280, 1285has a configuration substantially similar to the mounting component1010, as described above. Accordingly, coupling portions 1930, 1920 maybe aligned with and releasably attached to mounting components 1280,1285, respectively.

The seat portion 1220 may include mounting components that align withthe coupling portions 1910 and 1940. For example, mounting components1290, 1295 may extend outwardly from an underside 1220 a and are alignedwith coupling portions 1910, 1940 when softgoods 1900 is disposed on theseat portion 1220, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. For example, themounting components 1290, 1295 may be configured as corresponding siderelease buckle components connected to the seat portion 1220 viawebbing, or webbing releasably securable to cam or spring buckles, orassociated hook and loop fastener material, or the like.

The mounting assembly facilitates the coupling and decoupling of thesoftgoods 1900 from the frame assembly 1210. In various embodiments, thequantity of coupling portions and associated mounting components usedwith a particular frame can vary. Moreover, all mounting components maybe identically configured, or have different configurations. Thus, themounting assembly including mounting components can be used to couple ormount a softgoods or fabric portion to a frame having any shape orconfiguration and used for any type of infant support structure.

In an alternative embodiment, the lengths of the lateral bars at one endof the frame assembly (such as the rear end) can be longer than thelateral bars at the other end of the frame assembly (such as the frontend). This difference in length would enable the end portions of theheaders to have the same length, but the upper corners of the headers atthe rear of the frame assembly can be spaced further from the rear hubassembly than the front hub assembly, thereby giving the headers and theframe assembly a sloped or tapered configuration from rear to front.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference tospecific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, the infantsupport may be formed of any suitable materials. Each hub 250, 255 mayinclude a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock thesubassemblies. Alternatively, only one hub 250, 255 may include thelocking mechanism. The locking mechanism may be keyed to lock the hubs250, 255 in only the deployed and stowed configurations. Alternatively,the locking mechanism may be keyed to permit locking of the hubs atorientations falling in between the deployed and stowed configurations.Other mechanisms providing for the rotation and locking of the framesmay be utilized.

Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modificationsand variations of this invention that come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents. It is to be understood that termssuch as “left”, “right” “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “side”,“height”, “length”, “width”, “upper”, “lower”, “interior”, “exterior”,“inner”, “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describepoints of reference and do not limit the present invention to anyparticular orientation or configuration.

1. An infant support structure, comprising: a frame assembly including:a first frame member, and a second frame member pivotally coupled to thefirst frame member, each of the first frame member and the second framemember including a footer configured to rock on a support surface; and ainfant support portion coupled to the frame, the support portiondefining a receptacle in which an infant may be placed, the supportportion comprising a first end, a second end opposite to the first end,a first side, and a second side opposite to the first side, the firstside being coupled to the first frame portion, the second side beingcoupled to the second frame portion, the support portion having alowermost point, the lowermost point being located closer to the secondend than to the first end.
 2. The infant support structure of claim 1,wherein the first end and the second end of the support portion arelocated at different heights relative to a support surface.
 3. Theinfant support structure of claim 1, wherein the support portion is afabric member, the fabric member being suspended from the first frameportion and the second frame portion.
 4. The infant support structure ofclaim 1, wherein the support portion includes a first side portion, asecond side portion, and a body portion extending from the first end tothe second end and being coupled to the first side portion and to thesecond side portion.
 5. The infant support structure of claim 4, furthercomprising: an insert member being configured to be placed proximate tothe body portion, the insert member maintaining the first side portionand the second side portion spaced apart when an infant is placed in thereceiving area.
 6. The infant support structure of claim 5, wherein theinsert member has a width and the body portion has a width, the width ofthe insert member being substantially the same as the width of the bodyportion.
 7. The infant support structure of claim 1, wherein the frameassembly further comprises a first hub and a second hub, the first framemember being coupled to the first hub and the second hub, the secondframe member being coupled to the first hub and the second hub, thefirst and second hubs permitting the rotation of the first frame memberwith respect to the second frame member; and at least one of the firsthub and the second hub includes a locking mechanism configured toselectively release the first frame member to permit the rotation of theframe members toward each other to collapse the frame assembly.
 8. Arocking hammock, comprising: a frame assembly including: a first rockingportion including a curved lower end configured to rock on a supportsurface; a second rocking portion being coupled to the first rockingportion, the second rocking portion including a curved lower endconfigured to rock on a support surface; and an infant seat supported bythe frame, the infant seat including: a flexible support portion, thesupport portion being coupled to the first rocking portion and to thesecond rocking portion, the support portion defining a receiving area inwhich an infant may be placed, the support portion defining a width; anda resilient insert member, the insert member disposed proximate to thesupport portion, the insert being configured to maintain the width ofthe support portion when an infant is placed in the receiving area. 9.The rocking hammock of claim 8, wherein the insert member comprises aunitary band that defines a central opening.
 10. The rocking hammock ofclaim 8, wherein the infant seat has a first end and a second endopposite to the first end, the insert member being located closer to thefirst end than to the second end.
 11. An infant support structurecomprising: a frame including at least one rocking portion configured toengage a support surface; and a receiving assembly coupled to the frame,the receiving assembly defining a receptacle in which an infant may beplaced, the receiving assembly including a flexible support memberhaving a trunk portion and a foot portion coupled to the back portion,the trunk portion and the foot portion being disposed at an anglerelative to each other, the trunk portion including a resilient braceconfigured to maintain the orientation and position of the infant placedin the receptacle.
 12. The infant support structure of claim 11, whereinthe resilient brace is fixedly coupled to the support member.
 13. Theinfant support structure of claim 12, wherein the support memberincludes a first fabric member and a second fabric member, the firstfabric member and second fabric member defining a cavity therebetween,the resilient brace being located in the cavity.
 14. The infant supportstructure of claim 11, wherein the trunk portion has a length and thefoot portion has a length, and the length of the trunk portion beinggreater than the length of the foot portion.
 15. The infant supportstructure of claim 14, wherein the trunk portion includes sides and abottom, and the resilient brace extends substantially along the length,sides, and bottom of the trunk portion.
 16. A rocking infant supportcomprising: a frame assembly including: a first frame member comprising:a footer bar operable to rock along a supporting surface, and a headerbar oriented in spaced relation from the footer bar, and a second framemember comprising: a footer bar operable to rock along a supportingsurface, and a header bar oriented in spaced relation from the footerbar; and a flexible seat assembly suspended from the frame assembly, theflexible seat comprising a flexible wall operable to support an infant,wherein the wall includes a trunk portion coupled to a foot portion, thetrunk portion being oriented at an acute angle with respect to the footportion.
 17. The rocking infant support of claim 16 further comprising:a substantially rigid support brace housed within the flexible wall ofthe seat assembly.
 18. The rocking infant support of claim 16, whereinthe frame assembly further comprises a hub assembly, the hub pivotallycouples the first frame member to the second frame member in anintersecting relationship, and the frame assembly pivots between an openconfiguration to a closed configuration.
 19. The rocking infant supportof claim 18, wherein the hub assembly comprises: a first hub member, anda second hub member oriented coaxially with the first hub member, thefirst frame member being longitudinally offset from the second hubmember.
 20. The rocking infant support of claim 16, wherein the flexibleseat assembly further comprises: a first longitudinal wall coupled tothe header bar of the first frame member, and a second longitudinal wallcoupled to the header bar of the second frame member, the flexible wallis a bottom wall oriented between the first and second longitudinalwalls.